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Evidence tossed in ex-astronaut case

November 03, 2007

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — A judge agreed Friday to toss much of the evidence against a former astronaut accused of making a 1,000-mile drive to confront a woman vying for the affections of the same space shuttle pilot.

Investigators coerced Lisa Nowak, 44, who had not slept for more than 24 hours, into giving information in a six-hour arrest interview, Orange County Circuit Judge Marc Lubet said.

Lubet granted a defense motion to throw out comments she made and items seized from her BMW, including maps to alleged victim Colleen Shipman's home, latex gloves and some soiled toddler-sized diapers.